Progesterone Only Injectable Contraceptives: A Five Year Review of Side Effects and Discontinuation Rate in a Teaching Hospital in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Background: Progesterone only injectable contraceptives (POICs) are long acting reversible method of contraception used worldwide. Menstrual abnormalities are recognized side effects that can lead to discontinuation of these highly effective and safe contraceptives.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence rate, side effects, discontinuation rate and indications for discontinuation of Norethisteroneenanthate (noristerat) and Depot Medroxyprogesterone acetate (depoprovera) at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt.

Methods: A five year retrospective study of 874 clients attending family planning clinic at the RSUTH from 1st of January, 2015 – 31st of December, 2019. Their records were retrieved from the clinic and reviewed. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Chi square test was used as test of significance where applicable and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: One hundred and thirty eight clients accepted and used POICs out of 874 acceptors of contraceptives within the study period giving a prevalence rate of 15.8%.

Depot Medroxyprogesterone acetate was more preferred by the women. The modal age group was 25-34 years accounting for 86 (62.3%). Age range was 19-48 years and the modal parity was para 2. Majority of the clients had formal education, 137 (99.3%), married, 128 (92.8%) and multipara 85 (61.6%).The discontinuation rate was 31.9%and the commonest reason for discontinuation was irregular vaginal bleeding accounting for 25%.

Conclusion: The prevalence rate of POICs was low and Depot Medroxyprogesterone acetate was more popular. Majority of the discontinuation was due to the side effects of the contraceptives.